Course description

Top20for Education**The Guardian University Guide 2019

Combining Education Studies with another subject will help set you apart as a versatile, confident and forward-thinking graduate – with the broad-ranging skills and knowledge which appeal to potential employers.

Develop a solid understanding of education from early years to lifelong learning, including international perspectives

Combine that knowledge with another subject: your choices include Sociology, Theatre Arts, Law and Biology, to name but a few

Develop transferable skills such as time management, communication and teamwork which will serve you well in any career

Tailor your course to match your own interests and aspirations by selecting from a variety of optional modules

Benefit from the expertise of a dedicated academic team who will ensure your learning is relevant and up to date

Education Studies is all about understanding how people develop and learn throughout their lives. It’s a fascinating and challenging subject which will open up multiple career directions for you.

Deepen your understanding

We encourage you to consider different aspects of education and where and how it happens – from early years, primary and secondary education to higher education and lifelong learning. You’ll look at educational processes, systems and approaches while exploring psychological, social, cultural, political and historical contexts.

Overall you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the aims of education and its role within society. The course examines how education theory relates to policies and practices, including Government policies. We also consider education from a student perspective, including motivation, learners’ differing needs and learner behaviour.

Expertise to inspire you

Our course is delivered by a supportive and committed teaching team. You’ll be inspired by highly skilled practitioners from a range of backgrounds including primary, secondary and further education teaching, social work, nursery management, health visiting, social services, law, tourism and ICT. It makes for a rich and varied programme offering wide-ranging knowledge and expertise.

The team includes influential researchers and published authors whose work is shaping the debate about the future of education. They conduct research spanning everything from cultural diversity to online learning, inclusive practice to the role of pastoral care in education.

A vibrant learning experience

We pride ourselves on offering a friendly, welcoming learning environment where you will receive plenty of encouragement and guidance. Tutors are approachable, dedicated and passionate about their subjects.

Our Kirtley Building offers first-rate facilities for our Education students, including specially designed collaborative learning spaces and a large hall for practical activities and observing learning in action.

What you will study

You can study Education Studies as either a joint, major or minor subject. This will determine how many modules you’ll study at each stage. Please check your other subject to ensure it is possible to create your chosen combination.

You can study Education Studies as either a major, joint, or minor subject within the Joint Honours scheme. This will determine how many modules you'll study at each stage.

How you will learn

You'll be taught in a range of ways, including lectures with interactive seminar activities and tutorials. These are aimed to support you in your assessments. During stage three, you'll have more opportunities to learn independently, while still having the support of the tutorials.

How you're assessed

There are no exams. You'll be assessed through essays, presentations, portfolios, reports, and case study analysis.

Alternative entry qualifications:

BTEC - DMM

Access to HE Diploma 60 credits: 45 at level 3 with a minimum of Dist: 15 Merit: 24 Pass: 6

For joint honours degree entry you will need to choose two subjects. The entry criteria here is for this subject only. Your offer will be based on the higher entry criteria from the two subjects you choose to do. A good application/performance will be taken into account if you do not meet the criteria/offer conditions.

*The UCAS Points required for entry will depend on the subjects you choose to combine. The subject with the higher entry requirements will determine your offer.

Our entry requirements for this course should be read together with the University's general entry requirements, which details subjects we accept, alternative qualifications and what we're looking for at Derby.

How to apply

Full-time students applying to start in September should apply for this course through UCAS or you can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year.

Full-time students applying to start in September should apply for this course through UCAS or you can apply directly to the University for an undergraduate course if you’re not applying to any other UK university in the same year.

Careers

The benefits of a Joint Honours degree are that you can keep your options open, extend your career scope and build a flexible set of skills. It marks you out to potential employers as adaptable, versatile and well organised.

You can look forward to career opportunities in fields relating to education, social care, health care, careers and guidance, and the voluntary sector. You could also take your skills and knowledge to the next level with postgraduate study.

If you want to become a teacher when you’ve completed your course, you could apply to study our PGCE Primary. Alternatively you could choose our PGCE Post-14 (Education and Training) if you’re interested in teaching in the lifelong learning sector.

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

† Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Additional costs and optional extras

We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, state-of-the-art facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.

Included in your fees

Depending on our Joint Honours course combination, you will be entitled to approximately 50% of the following:

Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.